A Lincolnshire man claims a council decision to impose car parking charges is killing trade for independent businesses.

Adrian Campbell has recently retired from his business PlanesTV, a film and video production company, but started conducting research after West Lindsey District Council introduced parking charges in Market Rasen town centre from January 3.

The town had benefited from free parking to support businesses after a pilot headed by retail guru Mary Portas which showed the benefits unlimited parking can bring to market towns.

But the council decided last year to introduce fees despite objections from traders.

And after campaigning, the council has decided to now introduce two hours free parking.

Mr Campbell, 66, has since approached businesses to get their views on how the decision to charge in Mill Road, John Street and Festival Hall had affected trade – and the results proved hard-hitting.

It showed from the 76 of the 80 businesses which took part in the survey, the majority of retailers were at a loss financially since the charges came into effect.

It showed 76 per cent thought the car park charges had "damaged Market Rasen town centre retailers," and 59 per cent of 56 respondents on a different question confirmed their takings had suffered since the charges came into effect.

Nineteen businesses posted their actual figures which revealed there was a loss of around £145,000 since January 3.

Based on that figure, the results determined that if others had experienced losses then that overall figure would equate to around £265,000.

And more than 20,000 photos were collected in a bid to demonstrate how the volume of footfall had changed since the charges were introduced, with car parks being more empty also cited.

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Mr Campbell said it was a worrying time for independent traders in Market Rasen.

He said: "I was born in Market Rasen, I love the place.

“It has so many strengths and opportunities from the Main Road that runs through the town.

“The town is filled with independent retailers which is wonderful and the town itself has a tremendous character, but by putting prices in place, you are reducing people stopping in the town for even 30 minutes.

“It is cutting the lifeline of these businesses by giving people less time to stop, even if it just for a coffee, they won’t have time.

“The car parks have been half-empty since January."

Mr Campbell, presented his findings to West Lindsey District Council when a meeting was held to review the decision that was made last year.

A decision was reached where the affected car parks would now offer two hours of free parking.

And while Mr Campbell feels it was a positive outcome, he says Market Rasen still is not getting the help it needs.

“The two hours is a step forward to getting other measures that will help Market Rasen,” he said.

“In the last 15 years I can’t recall a major project that has happened in Market Rasen.

“Small towns like Market Rasen need free parking so that people don’t choose to stay away. Mary Portas said that in her pilot scheme a few years ago.”

But the owner of The Advocate Arms on Queen Street, Darren Lince, thinks two hours free parking will still benefit his business.

He said: "Our business has suffered since the introduction of car parking charges, and it is great news that West Lindsey District Council have reached a pragmatic solution to the problem quite quickly, this will benefit businesses and shoppers alike just in time for Christmas."

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Councillor John McNeil, added: “I am delighted as the representative that the council and officers have eventually listened to the representations made by members of the public, by tradesmen and women and by the council.”